V86® (jackpot): Decent chances for the hot stable
On Wednesday, Solvalla shares this week’s V86® card with Bjerke.
As so many times before, Frode Hamre is in focus at the Norwegian capital track.
"I think both Lazer and Cogburn should be considered with solid chances," says the top trainer.
Frode Hamre is Norway’s biggest and most successful trotting trainer and whenever there is more serious prize money on the line, he is always well represented. That is also the case this Wednesday as Bjerke hosts half of the V86® jackpot card.
The Hamre stable had a strong year last season and this year has also started well.
"I’m very pleased with the start of the year. We won five races over the weekend, things are rolling along nicely. We’ve had very good training conditions compared to many others and that has shown in the results," says Frode Hamre.
Frode Hamre is based at his farm in Larvik, just outside Jarlsberg, and has around 120 kilometers to travel to Bjerke.
"I know that road inside out, it’s highway all the way and a comfortable trip. The track at Bjerke is always good and a nice surface for the horses to race on. I have six horses starting on V86 and none of them just go out and win, but beforehand I think Lazer and Cogburn are the top candidates."
First time without front shoes
First out is 9 Thai Ohio (V86-1), who is not considered to have a major winning chance.
"He is on the way up, at least I hope so. He has had some trouble putting it all together and hasn’t delivered as we hoped. He was locked in with plenty of trot left in his last start and he feels good in training. This is a tough task this time and he will have to be raced conservatively. I’ll be satisfied if he shows improving form and he can earn good money."
In the fifth leg, the stable has two horses that will be on many tickets.
"I think Lazer is the better of the two at the moment. He's a horse with plenty of ability, but it has taken some time for him to find himself. Lately he has been racing well and you can feel in training that he has improved."
"He has a good draw over a suitable distance and he can leave fairly well, but I don’t think he can take the lead. I will race him without front shoes for the first time and that will make him quicker. I hope and believe he will hold his own in this race."
Frode drives 5 Brostile R. himself.
"There is ability there, but he is still immature and very study, he doesn’t always give his full effort, but it is getting better and better. The horse feels good in training and I will take some weight off of this time. Now he faces tougher opponents than before and he can’t leave the gate, so he risks ending up in a difficult position."
Going for the lead
In V86-7 the stable lines up three horses.
"1 United Time Trot was a bit too nervous last time and broke from the start. After that mistake he trotted 1:11.5 over a lap and Vidar Hop, who drove, felt the horse was good. He was good before that with two straight wins and you can feel in training that he holds his form. The longer distance is fine for him and he should get a good trip from this draw. I wouldn’t rule out him being involved at the finish, but he is facing tougher opponents than before."
"4 Cogburn is in very good form and was really good when winning last time and was not tired at the finish. He is quick out of the gate and has no issues with the distance. Cogburn likes to be up near the front and the driver will leave from the start, but I don’t think he can get past Last Story and then he is a bit more dependent on racing luck. If things work out, he can be in the mix for the win."
"8 Athletic Sun has found his form after a few starts. He won very impressively last time out and the horse still feels good in training. The draw lowers our expectations this time and the opponents are also tougher than recently. He will surely deliver a good effort again, but I find it hard to see him winning."